This journey will be wet and wild, made up of more than beaches, seashells and water. This South Florida trip promises to be an exciting family safari.

1. Naples - Starting Point Explore the natural beauty of Naples from a chartered watercraft or as part of a cruise boat tour, or rent a boat and head out on a fun-filled fishing excursion to reel in the catch of the day; you can even try your hand at catamaran sailing for a smooth and quiet trip. Boat tour packages let you see the compelling sights, search for shells along remote beaches and head out with the experts to watch the dolphins frolic in the ocean. Maybe a sunset cruise or a cocktail cruise is more your style with dinner, drinks and a breathtaking sunset on the water.

2. Chokoloskee - 40 miles, 49 minutes Travel Highway 41 to Highway 1 and you'll find the end of the road on the western shore of the Gulf Coast is at Chokoloskee Island Park and Marina, where fishing, crabbing and family fun awaits. Venture into another world at the Everglades National Park, known as the "River of Grass" and the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States, with nearly 1.5 million acres. It's home to alligators, crocodiles, herons, turtles, water moccasins and other exotic creatures. Explore the Everglades swampy sawgrass sloughs with a ranger-guided tour, or by tram, pole boat, kayak, airboat or airplane.

3. Florida City - 98 miles, 1 hour, 47 minutes This "Gateway to the Florida Keys and the Everglades" is made up of broad marshlands, known as the Tropical Everglades, where manatees, panthers and gators can be found along with rare flora and fauna. Visit Everglades Alligator Farm, the oldest gator farm in southern Florida and home to over 2,000 alligators. Glide across the everglades on one of the farm's guided airboat tours, or enjoy an alligator, snake and wildlife show, which is performed hourly. Visit the famous 14-foot "Grandpa" alligator. Feeling sentimental? Stroll through one man's offering of love: a sculpture garden created in stone, known as Coral Castle; its construction technique is a mystery that has yet to be solved.

4. Key West - 126 miles, 2 hours, 38 minutes Take it to the limit at the southern-most city in the continental U.S. and stroll the palm-lined streets to the Ernest Hemingway Museum to visit the home where the famous author did some of his best work. Wander the lush gardens searching among the 40 cats that reside there for some of the polydactyl (6-toed) cats, descendants of Hemingway's original cat, Snowball. Cruise on down to Sloppy Joe's Bar, one of Hemingway's favorite haunts and a Key West tradition, and enjoy cold craft beers, "sloppy" mixed and frozen drinks, or toss back a daiquiri in honor of Papa. Check out the marker indicating the southernmost point in the continental United States, or simply walk along the beach and take in a beautiful sunset.